Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Jose Herrera.
Juan Jose, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came to the United States from Guatemala when I was 7. I started working when I was 13 and when I was 17, I discovered the beauty industry. I started working at Mario Tricoci and truly, I fell in love. I realized I wanted to work in an environment that was full of positivity and high energy. And at a young age, I knew that was where I was supposed to be.
I dabbled in a few roles; I was a customer service representative, an assistant and then eventually went on as a full time stylist there. In all of those roles, I realized my work was about connecting the technician to the client. It was about making my client (regardless of role) as comfortable as they could be. It may sound silly, but I felt like I was helping people. And that was important to me.
I then, of course, went to beauty school and there I realized that styling hair wasn’t just about hair. It was about the conversations that happened behind the chair. I could instill confidence in someone sitting in front of me, just by making their hair look good. And by giving them that confidence, I could make their lives better. That is what it has all been about to me. I love the artistry, no doubt about it but I love making people feel better more than anything else. And that is what this career gave to me: an opportunity to make people feel better.
As I continued to work in a salon setting, I got more involved in the industry. I connected with a lot of amazing artists, both because of style and influence. I was curious about other people’s methods and I wanted to learn from them. I am constantly a student of life and I had so many people to learn from. And hey, I had a lot of fun along the way.
Long story short: after 17 years of the salon life, I decided to venture out on my own. I started my own business. I have been involved in luxury bridal shows and bridal parties across the country, have had the pleasure of being a part of Fashion Week in New York, have received the President Scholarship for the Chicago Cosmetology Association and so much more. Frankly, I’m thankful for where my career has taken me. I started from nothing and now have built this tiny empire that I can call my own. It’s been quite a ride.
Has it been a smooth road?
No. Was it a struggle? No. When I think of a “struggle”, I think of something that has wore me down and I have never thought of challenges in that way. If something has ever gotten in the way of my vision, I took it as a lesson. But, I wouldn’t say it was a struggle, just a challenge.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hair by Juan Jose story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a hairstylist. I would say, I specialize in luxury brides but I’ve been involved in large fashion shows as well daily bang trims. It really depends and I love it all.
I am the most proud that, regardless of how many clients I have, I can make all of them feel as valuable as they should, and as valuable as they actually are. As my business scales up, every client matters. I’m proud that they many would say they know me on a personal level, and that I know them on a personal level. Customer service matters regardless of company size and I’m glad that as my business grows, I feel like I can constantly provide an individualized service to my clients.
And that connection that I have with my clients, that is what sets me apart but that intimate and personal service is the ethos of Hair by Juan Jose. It is what makes me proud. It is also what makes me different.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’ve never been one to follow trends or the direction that an industry is going, so I may not be the best person to ask. My artistry is just that – it is my artistry. I’ve never been interested in trends. I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3550 N. Lakeshore Drive
Chicago, IL 60657 - Website: www.hairbyjuanjose.com
- Email: juanjose@hairbyjuanjose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyjuanjose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juanjose.hair
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hairbyjuanjose
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